County Commission to reconsider bids following tie vote

The Saline County Commission will reconsider bids for information technology services for community corrections after a motion to accept one of the bids failed by a 2-2 vote Tuesday morning.

Commissioners considered three bids for IT services. Studio F, the company recommended by staff, bid for $4,800 annually plus $50 per hour for services provided outside of business hours — 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saline County IT bid for for $5,000 annually. Techniqol Consulting bid for $8,100 annually.

Commissioner Bob Vidricksen said he preferred the bid from Saline County IT because the cost of services provided outside business hours could add up quickly under Studio F's proposal. Vidricksen explained that Studio F's bid would be equal to the next lowest bid after only four hours of overtime work.

"We are only talking $200, so that's four hours of work afterwards, and then we're talking about potentially a lot more money," he said. "We would have a lot more control if Saline County IT were to cover this."

Commissioners James Weese and Mike White voted in favor of accepting the bid from Studio F, whereas Vidricksen and Commissioner Sparks voted against doing so. Commissioner Monte Shadwick was absent, resulting in a 2-2 tie, which meant the motion failed because it didn't receive a majority vote. The commissioners agreed to reconsider the bids during a meeting when all five members of the Saline County Commission are present.

Flu shots

Health Department Director Jason Tiller discussed the upcoming flu shot clinic open to the public that will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at the 4-H Building in Kenwood Park. Tiller said flu shots also will be available at the Saline County Health Department.

Director stepping down

David Neal, Director of the Saline County Planning and Zoning Department, will be leaving his position Oct. 2 to work as a site design planner in Phoenix, Ariz. Neal grew up primarily in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale. Neal said he enjoyed the six years he has worked for Saline County.

"The staff here, we all work well together," he said. "It's a great place to work."